Damien Hirst Tate Modern

Thought I would do an art post today, following my visit to the Damien Hirst exhibition at Tate Modern.

I didn't go to the Damien Hirst exhibition as a huge fan of his work and I must admit it was more curiosity that got me there!

I will start by writing about the things that I didn't like. Room Two was the room that horrified me the most. Mainly because it consisted of a severed cow's head surrounded by congealed blood, rotting in a tank full of live and dead flies. Needless to say this freaked me out.

We then moved through into Room Three, this room contained various things in formaldehyde, a cow cut in half - that was a bit stomach churning - and also the floating shark, that actually didn't freak me out as much as I would have thought . I found it quite fascinating that something so terrifying could be so vulnerable in a tank.

The room I did LOVE was the one full of live butterflies. This room was beautiful and it was amazing to have live butterflies fluttering around! 

It was also a nice change to all the gory death that had been inflicted upon me in the other rooms.

So I know that was a brief description of the exhibition, but I don't want to ruin it for people that haven't been yet!

In conclusion, definitely go see it. It may not be your cup of tea, but totally worth saying you've been.

Oh and by the way... there's no pictures, as I wasn't aloud to take any!

French Connection Home

Second time coming (the first time was 10 years ago), the high street retailer that is French Connection, is trying its hand in the homeware market once again.

Their first attempt bombed by the sound of things, but looking at their offering now I'm quite excited for it.

The collection includes pieces such as furniture, lighting bedding and ceramics with a colour palette consisting of blue, white, taupe and grey. It does look quite simple yet sophisticated which is always a good thing in my eyes.

Its launched this month, but I doubt it'll have an impact on the company's falling sales figures, but we'll surely see how it goes!

Raf Simons & Christian Dior!

I honestly don't know what to think about this!

It was breaking news in the fashion world yesterday that Raf Simons, formerly of fashion house Jil Sander, was the new Artistic Director at Christian Dior.

Now although John Galliano lost the job last year due to the uproar with his anti-Semitic comments at a bar in Paris, I still believe that CD screams John Galliano. He was head of house for how many years after all!

Raf Simons will showcase his first offerings for CD at the haute couture shows in July, so the best of luck to him.

I'm actually looking forward to what he may bring to the table either way, if his successes at Jil Sander are anything to go by. . .

Bare Minerals

I've spent years searching for the perfect foundation. Yes years.

They have either been too runny, too dry, too thick or too thin. I have been on a hunt to find the perfect foundation that covers my skin with out caking it and making it look uneven.

At last I have found the one!!

Bare Minerals Matte!

This is the best foundation I have ever used. It gives you even coverage, without looking like you are wearing foundation.

The girls on the beauty counter are extremely helpful, so it is well worth visiting them and getting them to help you find your perfect shade!

River Island

So I hit the High Street last night to find myself some nice new things!

Out of all the stores, River Island stood out to me the most! The SS buyer has got it spot on this season and I am loving the three trends they are concentrating on - Miami, Prairie and Purisit.

My particular favourite is Miami! I am in LOVE with all the prints and bright colours.

I also love the short suits they are sporting and the various different matching tops and skirts.

One favourite piece of mine has to be this cute floral dress.

So next time you are on the High Street, be sure to pop into River Island. There will be lots you will want!

VFS - Alice Lee

Just want to mention an emerging designer I noticed this year at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, design duo Alice Lee.

The label is run by husband and wife team Alice Smith and Lee Farmer, starting out in 2002  and being recognised when they were awarded NewGen for 3 seasons in a row. Harrods, Barney's and Browns are now credited as being stockists for the brand which is quite an achievement in itself!
But the duo put the label on hold to raise a family though, before coming back last season as a part of Vauxhall Fashion Scout's Ones to Watch.

Knit wear is the focus for the label having created some beautiful pieces using quite intricate designs with pieces ranging from body con dresses and knitted trousers.

Take a look at the pics below of their AW12 collection and tell me what you guys think! P.S. loving the body con dress of image 3
(Images courtesy of 1883magazineblog.com)

PFW - Louis Vuitton

Marc Jacobs has been at the helm of Louis Vuitton for 15 years now, transforming the luxury accessory brand into a clothing empire as well.

And this season he was as extravagant as ever.

Guests were asked to arrive at the venue for 10am SHARP and when they did, it was to see a steam train come into the platform, before a storm of models walked off the train, showcasing LV's designs with porters carrying the new seasons luggage.

How I wish I could have been there!

The accessories is always a talking point, but Marc Jacobs has out done himself this season.
15 years is an achievement, with an exhibition of the partnership between the two being shown in Paris at Les Art Decoratifs a couple days ago.

Take a look at the images below and tell me what you guys think!
(Images courtesy of vogue.com)